If the start of 2013 is any indication, then people are feeling fairly confident about the economy these days.

Auto sales in Alberta are up compared with a year ago and organizers are expecting a record crowd at this year’s Calgary International Auto and Truck Show, which kicks off the spring selling season for local dealers.

Last year a record of just over 80,000 people attended the event.

It’s taking place at Stampede Park’s BMO Centre in 250,000 square feet of space over five halls. The show, which runs until Sunday, has representation from more than 35 manufacturers with more than 350 cars and trucks on display.

Here are two signs that people are in the mood to buy vehicles.

In January, the province bucked a national trend with a 4.1 per cent year-over-year hike in sales, according to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc. Sales reached 16,224 units in Alberta during the month. Nationally, sales of 96,306 were down 2.2. per cent from the previous year.

A report earlier this year by Scotiabank predicted Alberta would be the auto industry’s growth leader in 2013. The Scotiabank Global Auto Report, by senior economist and auto industry specialist Carlos Gomes, said vehicle sales in Alberta climbed to 239,000 units last year — the second-highest on record.And volumes are expected to advance to 244,000 units in 2013, approaching the 2007 peak of 249,000 cars and light trucks.

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